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Ramadan in UAE: Thousands break first fast at Sharjah iftar; volunteers as young as 5 serve faithful
At least 5,000 takeaway meals were served at a massive tent set up near Al Noor Mosque
- PUBLISHED: Sat 1 Mar 2025, 7:43 PM
Thousands of fasting residents made their way to Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah on the first day of Ramadan to participate in a large-scale communal iftar organised by the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah.
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A massive tent was set up near the mosque, right along the scenic waterfront, where thousands gathered inside to break their fast. Many others, unable to find space inside, lined up to collect takeaway meals, choosing to sit in the nearby gardens and waterfront areas to enjoy their iftar in the open air.
Each food packet distributed contained a hearty meal of biryani, laban (buttermilk), water, dates, fruits, and juice.
As the muezzin gave the call for Maghrib prayer, signaling the end of the fast, people inside the tent, seated in neat rows on long mats, unwrapped their food packets and broke their first fast of Ramadan.
Outside the tent, food packets were also distributed to those preferring to sit the cool evening sky. Many settled near the gardens and waterfront, enjoying the gentle breeze, as they quietly reflected on the first iftar of the holy month.
More than 5,000 meals served
Volunteers worked tirelessly to distribute meals and ensure that everyone was accommodated. Many people showed up to serve the community, with the youngest members being five years old.
When asked about the number of meals served, one of the volunteers said, “We do not have an exact count, but we estimate that more than 5,000 meals have been distributed today.”
Among those who arrived early to secure a spot inside the tent was Mohammed Faris, a young office worker experiencing his first Ramadan in Sharjah. “This is my first time attending a community iftar here. It’s heartwarming to see so many people from different backgrounds sitting together, sharing a meal,” he said.
For many, takeaway was a preferred option. Shebaz Alam, who had come for an evening walk along Al Majaz Waterfront, decided to get an iftar meal from Al Noor Mosque on a friend’s recommendation. “We were just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere by the water when one of my friends suggested we collect the iftar meal from the mosque. The biryani was delicious, and the portion was larger than expected. We are full now," said Alam.
Another attendee, Yusuf, a delivery rider, described the experience as a "mini picnic" for him and his fellow riders. “I usually break my fast alone while waiting for orders, but today was different. I met other delivery riders here, and we all sat together near the waterfront to enjoy our meal. It felt like a special gathering,” said Yusuf.
Prayer, reflection and community spirit
As people finished their iftar, they slowly made their way to the mosque for the Maghrib prayer. After the prayer, many faithful lingered around the green landscapes, cherishing the peaceful moments before Isha and Taraweeh prayers.
Volunteers quickly got to work, cleaning the tent and surrounding areas to ensure everything was ready for the next day. They carefully collected empty food containers, wiped down the mats, and re-organised the seating arrangement for the next day.
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.